When your skin got exposed to sun, then they will be an increase in the production of melanocyte cells which in turn results in the raise of melanin in the skin and thus makes the skin to turn darker. These dark patches of the skin are termed as dark spots, age spots, brown spots sun spots or hyper pigmentation.
These spots occurs generally in the exposed skin areas like face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, hands and legs. Other than sun exposure, certain factors like aging, stress, genetics, hormonal imbalance, pregnancy, weak liver functioning, acne, vitamin deficiencies, etc. can also contribute to these dark spots.
However these spots are usually harmless to skin or health but it is concerned as a biggest problem in beauty aspect which makes as unattractive. There are many over the counter treatments and cosmetic creams available in market but the usage of natural remedies at home will help you a lot in clearing the problem without any side effects.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a folk remedy that was suggested by Hippocrates (the father of medicine) for treating many health and beauty ailments including dark spots.
Is apple Cider Vinegar good for Dark Spots?
When you heard that apple cider vinegar for dark spots then a doubt that does it really works for dark spots will appear in your mind. So, here we are providing you with some of its properties to get rid of dark spots.
- It acts as a drying agent that helps to dry out and fade the dark or brown spots faster.
- It also cleanse the skin to remove dirt, impurities and other toxins causing damage to the skin and lighten up the skin’s uneven skin tone.
- It balances the skin’s pH level to clear the brown spots and makes your skin feel fresh and young.
- It has excellent skin lightening or brightening property that helps to lighten up the scars or dark spots on the skin.
- It has astringent property that helps to restore the skin’s natural color to fade away those dark spots.
- It accelerates the process of shedding of skin and helps for its re-growth to fade away the dark patches and leaves your skin with even tone.
- It has powerful alpha hydroxy acids that remove the dead skin cells and thus reveals a healthier complexion by fading the sun or age spots.
- It contains essential compounds like amino acids, acetic acid, mineral salts and a wide range of vitamins that helps to reduce the dark spots and other hyper – pigmentation problems.
How to use Apple Cider Vinegar for Dark Spots:
ACV is simply a miraculous ingredient that comes to reduce the appearance of dark patches on the skin that caused due to hyper pigmentation. Here are the best ways of using ACV for fading these dark spots on the skin.
Method – 1: (Apple Cider Vinegar with Water)
Apple cider vinegar when mixed with water will exhibit certain properties that help to fade away the dark spots.
Steps to be followed…
- Mix equal quantities of apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl.
- Stir well and apply this mix on the dark spots affected areas.
- Massage it gently for few minutes and rinse with water after few minutes.
- Dry the area and continue doing the process for once daily until you get rid of dark spots on skin.
Note:
- Or you can also add raw honey to the diluted cider vinegar before applying.
- Also, use the above mix to rinse the affected areas and wait for 3 – 6 minutes and then rinse it with lukewarm water.
- Or else you can apply direct apple cider vinegar on dark spots but be sure that it may sting (more for dry and sensitive skin people).
- Alternatively, mix 1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in 2 – 3 tablespoons of orange juice. Apply it on brown spots using cotton ball and rinse it off after it dries completely. Repeat it once or twice daily for 4 – 5 weeks.
Method – 2: (Apple Cider Vinegar with Horseradish)
Horseradish herb slows the production of melanin to prevent hyper pigmentation and has excellent skin lightening properties that effectively removes brown or dark spots, freckles and other spots on the skin. This method helps to exfoliate the affected skin area and lighten up the dark spots.
Steps to be followed…
- Grate finely 4 – 5 inch long of horseradish.
- Then pour 1/2 cup of organic apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
- Mix well and keep it aside for about 2 weeks by shaking it once daily.
- After 2 weeks, strain the mix into a container that has lid.
- Then apply a small amount of this herb infused vinegar to the dark spots.
- Leave it on for few minutes and rinse it off with water.
- Store the remaining mix in refrigerator and use it thrice daily for a month to get relief from dark spots.
- This combination will not suit for all skin types, so if you’re experiencing any irritation or discomfort then discontinue the process immediately.
Note: Or use some freshly squeezed lemon juice in this method and apply it to get relief from dark spots on the skin.
Method – 3: (Apple Cider Vinegar with Onion Juice)
Onion helps to stop the excess production of collagen to prevent scarring on the skin. both cider vinegar and onion juice has acidic nature and anti-inflammatory property that helps to fade away the brown spots without any irritation.
Steps to be followed…
- Combine 1 tablespoon each of onion juice and cider vinegar in a bowl.
- Stir well and apply this mix directly on the dark spots affected areas with the help of cotton ball.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes or more until it gets dried completely.
- Rinse it off with water and repeat it daily for about 4 – 6 weeks to lighten up the spots.
Note: Or you can also add a little of honey in the above mix before applying to fade the spots on the skin.
Method – 4: (Apple Cider Vinegar with Lemon Juice)
Lemon juice has citric acid and skin lightening property that helps to brighten up the dark spots on the skin.
Steps to be followed…
- Mix 1/4 teaspoon each of apple cider vinegar and fresh lemon juice in a bowl.
- Stir well and saturate a cotton ball at night time for few minutes.
- Apply this mix with cotton ball by starting at forehead and apply to all over the face and neck.
- It might cause some stinging sensation and redness at first and must dilute this mix with water before applying, if you have dry or sensitive skin.
- Leave it on for overnight and rinse it off with water.
- Wear sunscreen daily after this application, as it makes your skin more sensitive to sun exposure.
- Do the same process on every night before going to bed to get rid of the dark spots.
Tips and Precautions:
- Always use raw, organic, unfiltered and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with the mother content in it, to get rid of the dark spots on the skin.
- Intake of apple cider vinegar internally will help to clear these spots or scars on the skin. Mix 2 teaspoons of ACV and some raw honey in 1/2 glass of warm water. Drink this solution for twice daily (morning and night times) till you observe the improvement of fading the brown spots.
- Dry and damaged skin is one of the causes for darkening the skin. So, moisturize it well to keep it hydrate and repair the damaged skin.
- Regularly use apple cider vinegar as a natural skin toner (dilute 2 parts of water to 1 part of ACV) and rub it all over the dark spots.
- You can also add few drops of any essential oil to soften the strong ACV smell and apply it to prevent brown or dark spots.
- Drink plenty of water, have a healthy and balanced diet, remove any make-up before you go to sleep, apply sunscreens regularly, consume antioxidant rich foods, do yoga and meditation and a little of skin care hygiene will help you to get healthy skin tone without any spots or scars.
Are you concerned about these unsightly dark spots or scars on the skin? Just simply follow these ACV methods to clear the spots on the skin and to look pretty and attractive. But feel free to share your experience with us.
Lumka says
February 7, 2017 at 9:50 pmThanky for the advise,ihv a skin problem,,pimples,dark spots and scars
..now iknow what to do
Tabby Spruill says
March 2, 2017 at 12:56 amI will try this method
Jamesy says
April 10, 2018 at 1:23 pmHi Lumka, has this method worked for ur problematic skin? I have same issue & nothing seems to really work. Lmk please and thx u!
Helga says
March 12, 2017 at 2:02 pmThank you i will give this a try.
jabulile says
March 18, 2017 at 7:27 pmhai i have been using acv directly for two days now and i can surely say my skin looks shinny bt not sure abt the spots
Sruthika says
March 20, 2017 at 1:18 pmRegular Application will definitely help you to get rid of dark spots. Applying undiluted ACV directly on the skin daily may cause irritation. So, mix it with any of the ingredients explained in this article.
Hi says
April 2, 2017 at 8:54 pmHow long will it take to go away, if it’s more than a month is there anything I could do to speed up the process?
Sruthika says
April 5, 2017 at 1:13 pmIt’s different to tell the exact time for clearing the dark spots. You can also try some other remedies like baking soda, lemon juice, potato juice, aloe vera, papaya, turmeric, vitamin E oil, honey, rose water, etc.
Gloria John says
April 3, 2017 at 9:47 pmI was searching for the methods to treat black spots at home because they affect my appearance negatively. I have decided to use apple cider vinegar with lemon remedy and I hope it will work in making me beautiful back again.
Thank you so much for the advice and I will be happy if you share the remedies for blackheads as well.
Sruthika says
April 5, 2017 at 12:09 pmYaa, you can use this combination to get rid of dark spots on the skin but make sure to apply a moisturizer after applying this remedy.
You can simply go through this link to know the best blackhead remedies.
http://diyremedies.org/blackheads/
Eunice says
April 11, 2017 at 4:48 pmThanks
Diamond says
April 14, 2017 at 10:43 amI just started the Apple cider vinegar method yesterday, I hope it do work on my dark spots, thanks for the advice
lin says
April 18, 2017 at 10:13 pmI hope it clear my spots in a short time. I never used to have pimples they just came from no where and now I have spots on my face. My face isn’t my real face anymore. I pray it does magic
Sruthika says
May 2, 2017 at 1:34 pmOther than using Apple Cider Vinegar, you can also try applying aloe vera gel, lemon juice and almond oil on the pimples or scars of your skin.
Drink more of water and consume a healthy food by avoiding oily or processed foods.
Manisha says
September 1, 2017 at 10:14 amHi Lin
My name is Manisha,
I just saw your comment on this article that you are dealing with black spots on your face I you started acv to cure that problem
So I just want to know does it work for you???
Coz me too facing same problem
Pls pls pls rply
Thanks
Bella says
April 26, 2017 at 6:08 pmI jst started with it today.hoping for good results.
Lynn marsel says
May 16, 2017 at 1:10 pmThis stuff really works I’ve been using acv as a toner for almost 2 months now and it’s done wonders for my face I’d recommend this to anybody
Nikki says
May 26, 2017 at 2:00 amWhen you use it as a toner (rubbing diluted ACV on face with cotton ball), do you have to wash it off, or do you leave it on the skin? Also, if you leave it on the skin, are you then supposed to apply moisturizer?
Sruthika says
May 30, 2017 at 12:35 pmWhen you apply diluted ACV as a toner on the face using a cotton ball then wait for few minutes to get dried completely on the skin (should not wash it off). After it dries then apply moisturizer or any facial cream to the face.
neha khan says
May 29, 2017 at 11:44 pmpeople with sensitive skin ..dilute acv with water…or else it ill burn your skin..,people who wanna treat black spots on nose…make sure it is perfectly diluted because that area is thinner then your checks…!! and other remedies takes much time…acv is quite faster..!!
onumaski says
September 19, 2017 at 1:41 pmplease what brands of apple cidar vinegar work best for those that have tried the remedy.
Sruthika says
September 21, 2017 at 12:12 pmAny natural brands that mention Raw, Organic, Unfiltered and Unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother content in it. We prefer to use Bragg ACV for treating the health or skin problems.
Moyin says
October 18, 2017 at 11:34 pmCan breastfeeding mom drink apple cider vinegar
Sruthika says
October 20, 2017 at 11:49 amYou should avoid consuming unpasteurized Apple cider vinegar while breastfeeding why because it can easily carry some harmful bacteria and thereby results in intestinal illness. This, in turn, leads to dehydration and hamper your breast milk supply.
So, opt for pasteurized ACV to use in your cooking but not to drink it.
For treating your dark spots, you can apply ACV on the affected areas or you can go through these links.
https://diyremedies.org/dark-spots-using-potato/
https://diyremedies.org/baking-soda-for-dark-spots/
https://diyremedies.org/brown-spots-on-skin/
Annette R. Makil says
October 21, 2017 at 9:20 amIs this remedy used for dark spots anywhere on your body or just your face? I’ve just noticed it only mentions the face and neck area.
Sruthika says
October 21, 2017 at 10:38 amYes, you can use this ACV for treating dark spots not only on the face or neck but also in other parts of the body like hands, legs, back, chest, etc.
W says
November 3, 2017 at 4:37 amHi Sruthika,
How are you? Does it have the same effect if you drink it?
Sruthika says
November 8, 2017 at 12:52 pmHi, yes, you can drink ACV to get rid of dark spots on the skin (internal relief).
W says
November 3, 2017 at 4:41 amHi Sruthika,
How are you? Does it have the same effect if you drink the ACV?
Sruthika says
November 8, 2017 at 12:52 pmYes, you can drink ACV mixed with water to get rid of dark spots but the topical application will give quick relief.
Londiwe Ntombela says
November 12, 2017 at 10:35 amHi i hv the black scars on my legs nd i dont know that to do anymore cz i cant even wear short dresses
Sruthika says
November 16, 2017 at 2:56 pmYou can simply try these ACV methods or apply baking soda, aloe vera, potato or almond oil on the scars to get rid of them completely on your skin.
daylinda docor says
November 22, 2017 at 3:24 amHi! Is it ok if I will add potato juice to diluted acv, honey & lemon juice..then store the remaining mixture in the refrigerator? thank you.
Sruthika says
December 7, 2017 at 1:14 pmYou can apply potato juice as your dark spot remover but don’t mix it with ACV, honey & lemon juice mix. Always prefer to prepare the mix fresh and apply it regulalry.
daylinda docor says
November 22, 2017 at 3:33 amhi! is it ok, if I will add potato juice to diluted acv, honey & lemon juice?
Khushi says
November 28, 2017 at 3:10 pmI have marks on my face .can it help to fade it
Sruthika says
December 7, 2017 at 1:17 pmYes, with regular application and healthy diet (less oily or fast foods) you can get rid of marks or spots on the face.
Sophia says
January 2, 2018 at 5:39 pmCan acv without the ‘mother content ‘ do?. Because in my country, it’s pretty expensive.
Sruthika says
January 3, 2018 at 1:07 pmYes, you can use normal ACV (without mother content) but the usage of ACV with the mother content will provide you some extra health and beauty benefits and relieve your problem quickly.
Earl Olusola says
January 3, 2018 at 2:28 amWow! Didn’t know that apple cider really works for dark spot. Thanks for sharing this one.
lucy says
February 12, 2018 at 5:08 pmHy i got dark spots n pimples for 3 years n i have been trying to use lemon; honey n potato juice n turmeric powder with banana also but they all didn’t help does ACV will help me n which step must follow pls i need help my face is worse right now thank pls pls reply
Gnanika says
April 14, 2018 at 6:15 amApple cider vinegar is very helpful. You can try 1 or 4 th method mentioned above in the article.
However, make sure to patch test before applying it on the affected area.
Himani says
February 21, 2018 at 4:23 amI have read all the comments now I feel relieved. I’ve black mark on my nose am worried too much about this .I’ve used so many home remedies like garlic juice but it got darker n enlarged after using garlic juice. Can I now use ACV to remove that .will it work???
Plj reply.
Sruthika says
February 23, 2018 at 12:47 pmYou can use some natural remedies like potato juice, cucumber juice, lemon juice, aloe vera gel, water diluted apple cider vinegar, baking soda paste (baking soda + water), raw honey, etc. along with some skin care like rinsing your face twice daily, drinking plenty of water and consuming a healthy diet to get rid of your black marks or spots on the skin.
Molly says
March 4, 2018 at 1:18 pmI just wanted to give feedback on this. I had a dark raised scaly spot on the side of my face the size of a dime (non cancerous). To have it removed was costly as it was considered cosmetic. I have both taken ACV orally and put it directly on the spot now for 6 weeks. The entire scaly spot has come off and it’s now smooth. You can still see a splotch where the raised spot was but I’m hoping with continued use that will completely fade as well. I’ve been embarrassed about this spot for years and just want to encourage people to keep up with this it will definitely work.
Gnanika says
April 12, 2018 at 8:15 amThanks for sharing your experience.
Wendy says
May 2, 2018 at 6:39 pmI have just started using apple cider vinegar.. I have a brown sun mark on my face.
Gnanika says
May 8, 2018 at 8:43 amPlease share your experience after using it.
antrede says
May 28, 2018 at 11:52 amcan rose water help to get rid of dark spot too?
Gnanika says
July 18, 2018 at 10:36 amRose water balances pH of the skin and controls oil production of the skin. So, yes rose water along with Apple Cider Vinegar can help you in getting rid of dark spots quickly.
George says
June 1, 2018 at 1:26 pmI am mostly bald and have many dark spots on my scalp from sweating and some sun exposure. It might be difficult to apply the apple cider mixture exactly on the darkened spot without also applying it to some of the surrounding skin. Is it ok to just apply it to the entire effected area or do I need to try and just apply it to the darkened spots? Thank you!
Gnanika says
July 18, 2018 at 10:52 amIf apple cider vinegar is in diluted form you can easily apply it on your bald scalp without any worries. Once the vinegar is diluted it becomes less acidic and safe to use directly on skin. ACV restores the pH level of the skin and reduces skin damage.
Pooja says
August 4, 2018 at 1:41 pmcan we use acv for itchy reddish, black spots on legs & back?
Gnanika says
August 16, 2018 at 5:49 amYes, you can use ACV for the itchy spots on your leg but make sure you are using diluted ACV. Before applying it on all the spots you can try a patch test by applying it on one spot.
Mirian says
August 6, 2018 at 10:54 amI hv lots of dark spots on my face which I got during my second pregnancy, but it’s over 10years now this spots refuse to clear , I was told the spots is under my skin, i hv used lots of products, instead of clearing, my chick turns red (sensitive), Pls wat can I do to clear it, am currently applying aloe Vera gel on it
Gnanika says
August 16, 2018 at 5:50 amAs your skin is highly sensitive we prefer you to do patch test using apple cider vinegar. If you find any allergy then, you can stop using it but if there is no allergy, you can continue using the same.
thel says
August 7, 2018 at 5:43 pmi have been using apple cider vinegar on my legs to remove the dark aged spot for about 2 weeks now
and im happy to say i can see the change the spots are fading ….i use ACV and baking soda ..i don mix them i use them one after another
Gnanika says
August 10, 2018 at 12:54 pmThank you for sharing your experience
Lisa Hill says
December 11, 2018 at 7:56 amNice article! Apple cider vinegar is one of the best remedy for dark spots. I have used this method to heal dark spots and it works effectively. Thanks and keep sharing.